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| publisher = [[THQ Nordic]]
| engine =
| series = ''[[SpellForce]]''
| platforms = {{ubl|[[Microsoft Windows]]|[[PlayStation 4]]|[[PlayStation 5]]|[[Xbox One]]|[[Xbox Series X/S]]}}
| released = {{ubl|'''Microsoft Windows'''|7 December 2017|'''PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S'''|7 June 2022}}
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The game combines [[Role-playing video game|role-playing]] and [[real-time strategy]] elements like [[SpellForce|previous games in the series]]. Players control a mage called Tahar and a group of supporting characters with different backstories and abilities. Like many role-playing games, characters can equip various items such as armor, weapons and jewelry that influence the character's abilities and traits. Many maps allow players to construct buildings and gather resources to create additional units with fixed abilities. The game features an extensive campaign that can be played by a single player or two players. It also includes a [[Glossary of video game terms#S|skirmish mode]] allowing players to battle against the [[Artificial intelligence in video games|AI]] or other players, independently of the campaign.
Two standalone expansions were released for ''SpellForce 3'', ''Soul Harvest'' (2018) and ''Fallen God'' (2020), as well as a free multiplayer-only version called ''SpellForce 3: Versus.'' On 6 December 2021, an upgraded version of the original, '''''SpellForce 3 Reforced''''' was released for Microsoft Windows, and
== Gameplay ==
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[[File:Spellforce_3_screenshot_fighting.jpg|250px|thumb|The player character and their companions (right) using skills in combat. The lower half of the screen displays the status of the units and currently active skills. Available skills can be seen in the upper left section. |left]]Both the main character and companions have magical talents ("skills") which come in three forms: [[Spell (paranormal)|spells]], [[Aura (mythology)|auras]] and passive.<ref name="gry-online-review" /><ref name="game" /> Spells must be activated and sometimes targeted. They allow players to focus a positive or negative effect, e.g. healing a group of friendly units or damaging a certain enemy. Auras have a positive effect on nearby friendly units or a negative effect on nearby enemy units. Passive skills improve a character's abilities directly, such as increasing damage dealt with a certain weapon or heightened health regeneration. Skills are grouped into "skill trees", requiring players to unlock certain skills first before others.<ref name="rps-review" /> All skills can be upgraded once or twice, with the base skill of each tree having eight possible upgrades. Each companion has a special powerful skill that can only be unlocked by completing a side quest. Spells and auras must be "equipped" before they can be used in battle. Players are limited to three spells and/or auras, and must strategically choose which spells or auras to equip.<ref name="rps-review" /> Skills are depicted as [[pictogram]]s below each character's portrait in the upper left corner of the screen and can be accessed by clicking on them.<ref name="game" /> The game displays potions and equipped items in a slot next to the skills slot.<ref name="game" />
The game features a World Map from which players can travel to certain locations.<ref name="gamestar-review">{{Cite news |last=Weber |first=Maurice |date=2017-12-12 |title=Spellforce 3 im Test (PC) – Vom Hoffnungsträger zum Pflegefall |language=de-DE |work=GameStar |url=http://www.gamestar.de/artikel/spellforce-3-vom-hoffnungstraeger-zum-pflegefall,3323453.html |url-status=live |access-date=2018-01-14 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180113081527/http://www.gamestar.de/artikel/spellforce-3-vom-hoffnungstraeger-zum-pflegefall,3323453.html |archive-date=2018-01-13}}</ref> When entering a map, the player can choose which companions to accompany them, which influences some quests.<ref name="gamestar-review" /> Up to three companions can be selected, although sometimes a map requires a certain companion to play.<ref name="eurogamer-review" /> On each map, several "Godstones" allow the player's units to [[teleportation|teleport]] and to revive the player character and companions.<ref name="game" />
Maps that allow the player to control an army are separated into sectors. The main character or a companion are required to create outposts to expand their territory. This concept was made popular in ''[[Z (video game)|Z]]''.<ref name="rps-review" /> Resources are limited in each sector and transported by automatic horse carriages between several sectors. The carriages can be attacked by enemies.<ref name="rps-review" /><ref name="game" /> Unlike in most real-time strategy games, workers are limited in each sector and cannot be controlled directly; instead, they are assigned to a building.<ref name="computerbild-review">{{Cite news|url=http://www.computerbild.de/artikel/cbs-Tests-PC-Spellforce-3-Test-Review-Mehr-als-die-Summe-seiner-Bugs-19491733.html|title=Spellforce 3 im Test: Mehr als die Summe seiner Bugs|last=Praxl|first=Alexander|date=2017-12-11|work=[[Computer Bild]]|access-date=2018-03-15|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180316091840/http://www.computerbild.de/artikel/cbs-Tests-PC-Spellforce-3-Test-Review-Mehr-als-die-Summe-seiner-Bugs-19491733.html|archive-date=2018-03-16|url-status=live|language=de-DE}}</ref> Controlled sectors must be next to each other, otherwise resources will not be shared. Because the number of workers is limited for each sector and the number and level of outposts also determines the number of units the player can make, expansion is required to build, harvest resources and create more units.<ref name="gspot-review" /><ref name="rps-review" /> All army units have strengths and weaknesses, meaning they are stronger when fighting certain enemies and more susceptible to damage from others.<ref name="rps-review" />
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The ''SpellForce'' series was originally developed by [[EA Phenomic|Phenomic]], which were bought and later disbanded by [[Electronic Arts]].<ref name="wccftech-review" /> The original publisher, [[JoWooD Entertainment]], had to file for bankruptcy and was bought by Nordic Games (which later bought the [[THQ]] trademark to become [[THQ Nordic]]).<ref name="wccftech-review">{{Cite news|url=https://wccftech.com/review/spellforce-3/|title=SpellForce 3 Review – Living in the Past|last=Wray|first=Chris|date=2017-12-22|work=Wccftech|access-date=2018-01-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171229172208/https://wccftech.com/review/spellforce-3/|archive-date=2017-12-29|url-status=live|language=en-US}}</ref> With the acquisition of JoWooD Entertainment, THQ Nordic also gained the rights to the ''SpellForce'' franchise.<ref name="wccftech-review" />
Development of ''SpellForce 3'' took over four years. THQ Nordic first mentioned a new entry in the ''SpellForce'' series was in development in September 2013, while announcing the release date for ''[[SpellForce 2: Demons of the Past]]'', the third expansion for ''SpellForce 2''.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.gamestar.de/artikel/spellforce-3-nordic-games-kuendigt-dritte-episode-der-strategiespiel-serie-an,3028134.html|title=Spellforce 3 – Nordic Games kündigt dritte Episode der Strategiespiel-Serie an|last=Linken|first=Andre|date=2013-09-20|work=GameStar|access-date=2018-02-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180225205907/http://www.gamestar.de/artikel/spellforce-3-nordic-games-kuendigt-dritte-episode-der-strategiespiel-serie-an,3028134.html|archive-date=2018-02-25|url-status=live|language=de-DE}}</ref> Development began at the start of 2014 at the gaming studio [[Grimlore Games]], which THQ Nordic established in [[Munich]] in 2013.<ref name="gamezone-20141124">{{Cite news|url=http://www.gamezone.de/Spellforce-3-Spiel-34253/News/SpellForce-3-Grimlore-Games-aus-Muenchen-uebernimmt-Entwicklung-1143717/|title=SpellForce 3: Grimlore Games aus München übernimmt Entwicklung|last=Sosinka|first=Michael|date=2014-11-24|work=GameZone|access-date=2018-02-25|language=de|archive-date=2018-02-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180225205640/http://www.gamezone.de/Spellforce-3-Spiel-34253/News/SpellForce-3-Grimlore-Games-aus-Muenchen-uebernimmt-Entwicklung-1143717/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.gamestar.de/artikel/spellforce-3-spellforce-the-prequel,3059062.html|title=Spellforce 3 – Spellforce: The Prequel|last=Gössling|first=Jonas|date=2017-08-14|work=GameStar|access-date=2018-01-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180225220255/http://www.gamestar.de/artikel/spellforce-3-spellforce-the-prequel,3059062.html|archive-date=2018-02-25|url-status=live|language=de-DE}}</ref><ref name="pcgh-20160904">{{Cite news|url=http://www.pcgameshardware.de/Spellforce-3-Spiel-34253/Specials/Hands-on-Test-Gamescom-1205816/|title=Spellforce 3 im Hands-on-Test: Ein moderneres Age of Empires mit Herr-der-Ringe-Festungen [Artikel der Woche]|last=Kratsch|first=Benjamin|date=2016-09-04|work=PC Games Hardware|access-date=2018-02-25|language=de|archive-date=2018-02-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180225205736/http://www.pcgameshardware.de/Spellforce-3-Spiel-34253/Specials/Hands-on-Test-Gamescom-1205816/|url-status=live}}</ref> It was Grimlore Games' first game, although the studio consisted of a number of experienced programmers, designers and graphic artists, who worked on titles like ''[[The Settlers II]],'' ''[[Knights and Merchants: The Shattered Kingdom]]'' and [[SpellForce 2: Shadow Wars|''SpellForce 2'']].<ref name="gamezone-20141124" />
THQ Nordic previewed ''SpellForce 3'' with screenshots at [[Gamescom]] 2014 and 2015, sparking interest in the game from trade magazines.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.pcgames.de/gamescom-Event-238739/News/Nordic-Games-zeigt-Aquanox-3-Die-Gilde-3-und-Spellforce-3-auf-der-Koelner-Messe-1131444/|title=Gamescom: Nordic Games zeigt Aquanox 3, Die Gilde 3 und Spellforce 3 auf der Kölner Messe|date=2014-08-06|work=PC GAMES|access-date=2018-02-25|language=de|archive-date=2018-06-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180620101353/http://www.pcgames.de/gamescom-Event-238739/News/Nordic-Games-zeigt-Aquanox-3-Die-Gilde-3-und-Spellforce-3-auf-der-Koelner-Messe-1131444/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.pcgames.de/Spellforce-3-Spiel-34253/News/Gamescom-Vorschau-1167463/|title=Spellforce 3 Gamescom-Vorschau: Mehr Strategie, mehr RPG|date=2015-08-10|work=PC GAMES|access-date=2018-02-25|language=de|archive-date=2018-02-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180225210210/http://www.pcgames.de/Spellforce-3-Spiel-34253/News/Gamescom-Vorschau-1167463/|url-status=live}}</ref> The first hands-on preview was shown at Gamescom 2016 where multiple features were demonstrated.<ref name="pcgh-20160904" /> Although THQ Nordic announced ''SpellForce 3'' would be released in 2016,<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.pcgameshardware.de/Spellforce-3-Spiel-34253/News/Mischung-aus-Rollenspiel-und-Strategie-noch-dieses-Jahr-1196812/|title=Spellforce 3: Mischung aus Rollenspiel und Strategie noch dieses Jahr|date=2016-05-30|work=PC Games Hardware|access-date=2018-02-25|language=de|archive-date=2018-02-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180225210210/http://www.pcgameshardware.de/Spellforce-3-Spiel-34253/News/Mischung-aus-Rollenspiel-und-Strategie-noch-dieses-Jahr-1196812/|url-status=live}}</ref> the release date was later changed to 7 December 2017, a year later than originally planned.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.pcgamer.com/spellforce-3-releases-in-december-second-game-gets-free-steam-weekend/|title=Spellforce 3 releases in December, second game gets free Steam weekend|last=Sykes|first=Tom|date=2017-06-03|work=PC Gamer|access-date=2018-02-25|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180225205845/https://www.pcgamer.com/spellforce-3-releases-in-december-second-game-gets-free-steam-weekend/|archive-date=2018-02-25|url-status=live|language=en}}</ref>
The developer released patches to address most issues, at one point releasing [[Patch (computing)|patches]] multiple times a day.<ref name="gamestar-20171219">{{Cite news|url=http://www.gamestar.de/artikel/spellforce-3-zwischenstand-bugfrei-zu-weihnachten,3323749.html|title=SpellForce 3 – Zwischenstand: Bugfrei zu Weihnachten? – GameStar|last=Weber|first=Maurice|date=2017-12-19|access-date=2018-01-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171223071656/http://www.gamestar.de/artikel/spellforce-3-zwischenstand-bugfrei-zu-weihnachten,3323749.html|archive-date=2017-12-23|url-status=live|language=de-DE}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.pcgameshardware.de/Spellforce-3-Spiel-34253/News/zahlreiche-Patches-so-langsam-empfehlenswert-1246584/|title=Spellforce 3: Nach zahlreichen Patches so langsam empfehlenswert|date=2017-12-22|work=PC Games Hardware|access-date=2018-01-14|language=de|archive-date=2018-03-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303050326/http://www.pcgameshardware.de/Spellforce-3-Spiel-34253/News/zahlreiche-Patches-so-langsam-empfehlenswert-1246584/|url-status=live}}</ref> Within two weeks of release, the developers had issued 21 patches.<ref name="pcgames-review">{{cite news|url=http://www.pcgames.de/Spellforce-3-Spiel-34253/Tests/Review-Bug-Patch-Release-Update-Bugfix-1245323/|title=Spellforce 3 im Test: Schwert, Magie und jede Menge Bugs|last=Schütz|first=Felix|date=2017-12-21|newspaper=PC Games|access-date=2018-02-11|archive-date=2018-01-03|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180103025432/http://www.pcgames.de/Spellforce-3-Spiel-34253/Tests/Review-Bug-Patch-Release-Update-Bugfix-1245323/|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 9 February 2018, THQ Nordic released a level editor and [[Mod (video gaming)|modding]] tools that allow players to create new maps, quests and campaigns (including [[MOBA]]-style maps) with plans to support sharing [[user-generated content]] through the [[Steam Workshop]].<ref name="modtools">{{cite news|access-date=2018-02-11|title=Spellforce 3: Modding-Tool zum Erstellen von Missionen released|url=http://www.pcgames.de/Spellforce-3-Spiel-34253/News/modding-tools-maps-missionen-strategie-thq-nordic-1249861/|newspaper=PC Games|language=de|date=2018-02-09|archive-date=2018-02-28|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228041546/http://www.pcgames.de/Spellforce-3-Spiel-34253/News/modding-tools-maps-missionen-strategie-thq-nordic-1249861/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2018/02/09/spellforce-3-adds-comprehensive-modding-support/#more-515525|title=Spellforce 3 adds comprehensive modding support|last=Tarason|first=Dominic|date=2018-02-09|website=Rock, Paper, Shotgun|language=en-US|access-date=2018-02-27|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180228100713/https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2018/02/09/spellforce-3-adds-comprehensive-modding-support/#more-515525|archive-date=2018-02-28}}</ref>
=== ''Soul Harvest'' expansion ===
{{main|SpellForce 3: Soul Harvest}}
On 19 December 2018, THQ Nordic announced a standalone [[Downloadable content|downloadable expansion]] entitled ''SpellForce 3: Soul Harvest.''<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamereactor.eu/news/721063/Soul+Harvest+is+Spellforce+3s+new+expansion/|title=Soul Harvest is Spellforce 3's new expansion|last=Malgieri|first=Fabrizia|date=19 December 2018|website=Gamereactor|language=en|access-date=22 December 2018|archive-date=22 December 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181222173544/https://www.gamereactor.eu/news/721063/Soul+Harvest+is+Spellforce+3s+new+expansion/|url-status=live}}</ref> ''Soul Harvest'' reintroduced dwarves and dark elves as playable races, both of which were featured in previous games but missing in ''SpellForce 3'', adding new units including flying units as well as a new 20-hour single-player campaign.<ref name=":0" /> Additionally, the expansion contains new game modes and overhauls some major aspects of the gameplay.<ref name=":0" /> ''Soul Harvest'' removes resource transports and optimizes the interface and adds more races, classes and skills for heroes as well as more varied races.<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.gamestar.de/videos/spellforce-3-soul-harvest-erstes-gameplay-eine-neue-chance-fuer-spellforce-3,98090.html|title=SpellForce 3: Soul Harvest - Erstes Gameplay: Eine neue Chance für SpellForce 3?|last=Weber|first=Maurice|date=21 December 2018|website=GameStar|language=de|access-date=22 December 2018|archive-date=4 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190404073452/https://www.gamestar.de/videos/spellforce-3-soul-harvest-erstes-gameplay-eine-neue-chance-fuer-spellforce-3,98090.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Changes were made available for all players of the main game in multiplayer when ''Soul Harvest'' was released with plans to upgrade the main game's campaign later as well.<ref name=":0" /><ref name=":1" /> ''Soul Harvest'' was released on 28 May 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.bluesnews.com/s/200136/spellforce-3-soul-harvest-this-month|title=SpellForce 3: Soul Harvest This Month - Blue's News Story|date=15 May 2019|website=
=== ''Fallen God'' expansion ===
On 3 November 2020, THQ Nordic released the second standalone downloadable expansion entitled ''SpellForce 3: Fallen God''.<ref name=":2">{{Cite journal|last=Deppe|first=Martin|date=2 November 2020|title=Spellforce 3 Fallen God im Test – Ein richtig trolles Strategie-Addon|url=https://www.gamestar.de/artikel/spellforce-3-fallen-god-test,3363539.html|access-date=2020-11-22|journal=GameStar|language=de|archive-date=2022-10-20|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221020152436/https://www.gamestar.de/artikel/spellforce-3-fallen-god-test,3363539.html|url-status=live}}</ref> This expansion reintroduces the troll race with its own campaign, adding another 20 hours of gameplay.<ref name=":2" /> ''Fallen God'' takes place about 50 years after the events of the main game and does not require knowledge of the main game's story.<ref name=":2" /> Unlike other playable races, the troll race uses a tiered approach to unit creation, requiring players to create basic units which can either be used as normal front line fighters or trained to fulfill different roles (melee fighter, ranged fighter, magic user).<ref name=":2" /> In addition, trolls can recycle gear for heroes of other races to improve the gear used by the troll heroes.<ref name=":2" /> According to THQ Nordic, ''Fallen God'' is the last add-on for ''SpellForce 3''.<ref name=":2" />
=== ''SpellForce 3: Versus'' ===
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==== ''Reforced'' edition ====
An upgraded version entitled ''SpellForce 3: Reforced'' was released for Microsoft Windows, [[PlayStation 4]], [[PlayStation 5]], [[Xbox One]] and [[Xbox Series X and Series S|Xbox Series X/S]] four years after the release of ''SpellForce 3'' on 6 December 2021.<ref name=":3">{{Cite web|date=7 December 2021|title=Spellforce 3 Reforced im Trailer: Ab sofort gibt's das große kostenlose Upgrade|url=https://www.gamestar.de/videos/spellforce-3-reforced-im-trailer-ab-sofort-gibts-das-grosse-kostenlose-upgrade,104229.html|url-status=live|access-date=2021-12-09|website=GameStar|language=de-DE|archive-date=2021-12-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209211240/https://www.gamestar.de/videos/spellforce-3-reforced-im-trailer-ab-sofort-gibts-das-grosse-kostenlose-upgrade,104229.html}}</ref> ''Reforced'' was made available for free to buyers of the original version of ''SpellForce 3''.<ref name=":3"
''Reforced'' includes new game modes: Journey Mode allows players to play the game alone or in co-op mode on skirmish maps but also features a campaign system.<ref name=":4">{{Cite video game|title=SpellForce 3: Reforced|developer=Grimlore Games|date=6 December 2021}}</ref> Unlike in regular free play, players can create a Journey hero which will be the same for all these maps and which can be customized from the races and skill trees from the base game as well as the expansions.<ref name=":4">{{Cite video game|title=SpellForce 3: Reforced|developer=Grimlore Games|date=6 December 2021}}</ref> Player can play official Journey Mode maps (called "Contracts") but also player-made maps or skirmish maps that are Journey Mode compatible in order to level up their hero and gain new equipment that is then saved to the hero and available on the next map they choose.<ref name=":4">{{Cite video game|title=SpellForce 3: Reforced|developer=Grimlore Games|date=6 December 2021}}</ref> Journey Mode maps also contain quests that carry over between maps as well as fully voiced dialogue for the hero and various non-player characters.<ref name=":4">{{Cite video game|title=SpellForce 3: Reforced|developer=Grimlore Games|date=6 December 2021}}</ref> Arena Mode pits players against ever-increasing hordes of enemy units.<ref name=":3"
== Reception ==
{{Video game reviews
| MC = 73/100<ref name="metacritic">{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game
| EuroG = Recommended
| GSpot = 7/10<ref name="gspot-review">{{cite web|last1=Todd|first1=Brett|title=Spellforce 3 Review|url=https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/spellforce-3-review/1900-6416834/|publisher=[[GameSpot]]|access-date=2018-01-12|date=2017-12-31|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180225210213/https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/spellforce-3-review/1900-6416834/|archive-date=2018-02-25}}</ref>
| PCGUS = 74/100<ref name="pcgamer" />
| GStar = Original release: 77/100<ref name="gamestar-wertung">{{cite news|access-date=2021-12-09|title=Spellforce 3: Test-Update - Auf dem richtigen Weg, aber nicht am Ziel|url=https://www.gamestar.de/artikel/spellforce-3-auf-dem-richtigen-weg-aber-noch-nicht-am-ziel,3329240.html|newspaper=GameStar|date=2 May 2018|via=www.gamestar.de|archive-date=2021-12-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211209211242/https://www.gamestar.de/artikel/spellforce-3-auf-dem-richtigen-weg-aber-noch-nicht-am-ziel,3329240.html|url-status=live}}</ref><br/>''Reforced'' edition: 84/100<ref name="gamestar-review-reforced" />
| PCG = 7/10<ref name="pcgames-review" />
}}
''SpellForce 3'' garnered "mixed or average reviews" from critics according to [[review aggregator]] [[Metacritic]], based on 37 reviews for Windows.<ref name="metacritic" />
Critics lauded the visual design and the attention to detail as well as the variety of settings and lighting effects which enhanced the realism of the landscapes.<ref name="pcgamer" /><ref name="gspot-review" /><ref name="wccftech-review" /><ref name="gry-online-review" /><ref name="eurogamer-de-review" /><ref name="gamereactor-de-review">{{Cite news|url=https://www.gamereactor.de/Kritiken/465853/Spellforce+3/|title=Spellforce 3|last=Zarnecke|first=Anne|date=2017-12-07|work=[[Gamereactor|Gamereactor.de]]|access-date=2018-03-21|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180321165555/https://www.gamereactor.de/Kritiken/465853/Spellforce+3/|archive-date=2018-03-21|url-status=live|language=de}}</ref> Reviewers also highlighted the character and building models and details.<ref name="eurogamer-de-review" /><ref name="computerbild-review" /> German magazine [[PC Games (magazine)|''PC Games'']] compared the graphics and level of detail positively to ''[[The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt]]'', although they noted the game no longer offered a third person perspective as previous games of the series did.<ref name="pcgames-review" /> ''[[GameSpot]]'' criticized the amount of detail, which caused slow loading times and overwhelmed the player, making it hard to notice certain important elements.<ref name="gspot-review" />
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The game's multiplayer was considered by some, such as Eurogamer, as decent but unspectacular.<ref name="eurogamer-review" /><ref name="pcgamer" /><ref name="computerbild-review" /> ''[[Rock, Paper, Shotgun]]'' expressed surprise that the multiplayer worked so well despite the missing context of the single player campaign and associated quests.<ref name="rps-review" />
A major criticism was the game's technical issues on release. Critics likened the release to a [[beta version]] and pointed out various bugs, such as missing triggers for missions and broken quests, leave players unable to progress in the game.<ref name="eurogamer-review" /><ref name="gamestar-review" /><ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.thegamesmachine.it/spellforce-3/spellforce-3-recensione-pc/|title=SpellForce 3 Recensione PC|last=Bonaffini|first=Lorenzo|date=2017-12-12|work=The Games Machine|access-date=2018-03-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303051916/https://www.thegamesmachine.it/spellforce-3/spellforce-3-recensione-pc/|archive-date=2018-03-03|url-status=live|language=it-IT}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.4players.de/4players.php/dispbericht/PC-CDROM/Test/36218/82942/0/SpellForce_3.html|title=SpellForce 3 – Test, Strategie|last=Cramer|first=Eike|date=2017-12-11|work=4Players|access-date=2018-03-02|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180303050433/http://www.4players.de/4players.php/dispbericht/PC-CDROM/Test/36218/82942/0/SpellForce_3.html|archive-date=2018-03-03|url-status=live|language=de}}</ref><ref name="gry-online-review" /><ref name="eurogamer-de-review" /><ref name="computerbild-review" /> Further criticism was directed at the slow camera rotation, and units' movement speeds and [[pathfinding]].<ref name="eurogamer-de-review" /> ''[[GameStar]]'' considered the number of bugs severe enough to deduct 15 points (out of 100) from their score of 82.<ref name="gamestar-review" /> The magazine later updated the score to 77/100 after most bugs were fixed<ref name="gamestar-wertung" /> and later upgraded the score to 84 upon release of the ''Reforced'' edition.<ref name="gamestar-review-reforced">{{Cite news|last=Klinge|first=Heiko|date=2022-01-14|title=Spellforce 3 Reforced: 2017 ein Fiasko, jetzt ein Fest für Fantasy-Fans|language=de-DE|work=GameStar|url=https://www.gamestar.de/artikel/spellforce-3-reforced-test,3376893.html|access-date=2022-01-14|archive-date=2022-01-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220114065834/https://www.gamestar.de/artikel/spellforce-3-reforced-test,3376893.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Both ''Gamestar'' and fellow German trade publication [[PC Games (magazine)|''PC Games'']], which did not review the game until version 1.21 had been released, advised players to wait until the bugs were fixed before buying the game.<ref name="gamestar-review" /><ref name="pcgames-review" /> Reaction from players was equally mixed, with many criticizing the technical issues on release.<ref>{{Cite news|url=http://www.pcgameshardware.de/Spellforce-3-Spiel-34253/News/Naechster-Patch-Steam-Spieler-strafen-das-Spiel-ab-1245966/|title=Spellforce 3: Nächster Patch, Steam-Spieler strafen das Spiel ab|date=2017-12-15|work=PC Games Hardware|access-date=2018-01-14|language=de|archive-date=2018-02-12|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180212084234/http://www.pcgameshardware.de/Spellforce-3-Spiel-34253/News/Naechster-Patch-Steam-Spieler-strafen-das-Spiel-ab-1245966/|url-status=live}}</ref>
== References ==
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[[Category:Video games about cults]]
[[Category:Video games developed in Germany]]
[[Category:Windows games]]
[[Category:Xbox One games]]
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